Venessa Rivera

Venessa was born on August 21, 1975 in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Jesus Rivera and Migdalia Figueroa. At a very young age she auditioned and was recruited to be part of the San Juan Children's Choir in Puerto Rico.

At the age of 13 years old she moved with her parents and younger sister Sofia Rivera, from Puerto Rico to Jacksonville, Florida where she attended Stanton College Preparatory High School and graduated with an IB diploma. As a young adult, she moved to Pennsylvania to continue her studies. Venessa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology at Penn State University. Then, after working in the community for several years, she went back to school to complete her Master’s degree in Education.

She returned to Florida where she continued to serve the community. In 2018 she became a nurse, completing her BSN at University of South Florida.

Venessa was a joyous, caring person who was concerned about others. She was persistent in helping where there was a need. Along with being an outstanding student, she was an accomplished health advocate. She focused on solutions where there were disparities of health services in our communities.

She is survived by her children Gabriela Colon and Catalina Colon, her father Jesus (Mercedes Lopez) Rivera, her mother Migdalia Figueroa, her brother Joseph Rivera, and her sister Sofia (Craig) Williams.

A service for family and friends will be held on October 14, 2023 from 4pm-7pm at Blount & Curry Life Event Center 605 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609. In lieu of flowers any memorial contributions may be made to “Venessa Rivera Memorial and Family” through gofundme. This fund is to help support the future educational needs and immediate expenses of her daughters.